§ Dr. Goodson-WickesTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what steps are being taken to regulate the electronic mail services to protect(a) British commercial interests and (b) the consumer. [5459]
§ Mr. Ian TaylorElectronic mail is an important example of the new services which are increasingly available as the information society develops. The effective exploitation of these services and opportunities is important for the competitiveness of British business. My Department monitors developments in this area to assess whether there is any need for action to protect consumers or the interests of companies.
There are several groups helping to develop electronic mail services with which the Department is in contact.